When God's people were in exile and the temple in Jerusalem was razed, they probably thought they would never see prosperous times again. It's easy, even for us, to fall into despair. But today's first reading from Zechariah 8 should give all hope for the future.
"Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun, and from the land of the setting sun. I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem. They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice."
Throughout history, just when all seems lost, God comes to the rescue. He has done it before, and he will do it again and again. While it may seem today that the world is having its way, God is at work. So don't despair! God will intervene and come to the rescue at just the right time.
Father, we trust in you. Help us to never lose hope, knowing that you will rescue us. Amen.
Christmas is less than three months away! Order A Minute in the Church in bulk today for your parish to give away at Christmas at www.GusLloyd.com.
God bless you Gus!!
I really appreciate your tendency to provide insight into the Old Testament readings. Most of the Gospels are familiar to many of us, but not so much from the OT.
Your words today bring comfort on two levels. One is the reminder that the Church has experienced difficulty from the very beginning and has survived.
The other is more personal. We recently moved to be closer to my daughter and get away from the city. Unfortunately, she has left the Church to join some non-denominational one with her husband – and his decision to “not raise our children as Catholics” has put a huge strain on our relationship. We also can’t seem to find a new primary care doctor, so more stress.
So, your words “God is at work. So don’t despair! God will intervene and come to the rescue at just the right time” could not have come at a better time!
Thanks again! 🙏🙏🙏